By Rachel Maclean, MP for Redditch
I HOPE you all had a fantastic bank holiday weekend basking in the sun! The Worcestershire countryside looked as beautiful as ever on my walks with Phoebe the dog.
Last week you cast your votes to decide who you wanted to represent you on Redditch Borough Council.
Although it was a clear and resounding victory for Redditch Conservatives, the hard work begins for the team who now run our borough.
All parties on the council must also work together in the best interests of the people of Redditch.
Of course, there are issues on which they disagree, but when all councillors can come together and work as one, they should.
Voter turnout was up on the elections two years ago and there was a clear shift to the Conservatives last Thursday.
I spoke to hundreds of people on the doorstep during the campaign and it was clear that residents wanted change and new leadership at the Town Hall.
I very much look forward to working with the new Conservative leadership team to unlock Redditch and release the full potential of our town.
In Parliament last week I joined my Conservative colleagues in voting in favour of the energy price cap.
I know how rip-off energy bills are a real concern for many people and that’s why I voted to help reduce bills for thousands of residents in Redditch.
It’s hoped the price cap will become law in the summer which means residents should feel the benefits of cheaper energy bills this winter.
Here in Redditch there are hundreds of people who care for their loved ones, often without any support, and at the same time still holding down a job.
From personal experience I know how hard it is to juggle caring responsibilities with a full-time job.
Last week, at a meeting of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Carers, of which I am co-chair, we discussed the support available to carers and their employers.
It was great to hear from Scott who spoke about his experiences as a carer, and how his employer has supported him.
I look forward to working alongside Carers UK to raise awareness of the resources and training that can be put in place by employers to better support working carers.
